Portable ice maker for RV.

ktmrfs wrote:


inrush on ours is around 3x running current, has a decent compressor motor. I have 500W max of solar and can run the ice maker enough each day to keep us supplied with ice and still keep the batteries near full charge.

You certainly have a "magical" device that defies all known scientific and real world data.

It is well known that highly inductive compressor motors have startup surge at least 6x the running current. I HAVE also measured that for myself and typical refrigeration compressors labeled for 1.1A run current has measured 8A-10A on startup..

And yes, I have repeated that test multiple times with a good quality Ammeter since I honestly didn't think it was that much surge.

While there are places that mention 2-3x the run current, they also mention that you SHOULD plan on 6x..

HERE

"As noted above, there are periods of startup or surge power that typically can be 2-3 times the amount of running watts. As a rule of thumb and for precautionary reasons, you should consider that up to 6 times the amount of rated current may be required for initial startup of the appliance.

Startup or Surge Current / Power for CRF150SS-1

The startup amperage draw rating will be noted on the compressor itself by referring to the Locked Rotor Amp aka "LRA" value. In the example below, the LRA is 5A (5 Amps) which would be equivalent to 575 watts for startup for a unit plugged into a 115V outlet. "

However, here's the rub on this, inverters are often very limited on the LENGTH of surge time, most inverters do not in fact even give any data on how long of time they can provide for their surge rating meaning their surge rating is a useless number.

Therefor one needs to UPSIZE the inverter and wiring in order to not send the inverter into a shut down.

Typically most RVrs that have tried their hand at home fridge conversions have run into this issue when trying to use inverters of less than 700W, some get it to work and some don't.

For my home fridge conversion I went with a 1250W inverter to ensure the compressor will start reliably..

I also have checked my portable icemaker data tag, 1.5A running and 2.0A during cycle (unit runs a electric heating element to heat the tines to release the cubes).

Run time may also be variable, since ours lives outside while camping, it typically is exposed to temps from upper 80F to mid 90F day time.. This will melt the ice in the bin faster and the ice makers will continually cycle through the day making ice..

So, if you keep it in a very cool place or camp in very cool weather, it may not cycle as much.. But I would suggest one should plan on plenty of battery/solar and some gen to keep things happy.

We do like having the icemaker, but once again, we DO us it when we are camping with shore power.. No way I am going to add an extra pair of GC batts or solar just for the convenience of having a icemaker, those would be very expensive little cubes of ice..